Ruthless Podcast Episode Summary: “Were Biden’s Auto-Pen Pardons Even Legal? + Trump’s Massive Shift on Ukraine”

Release Date: July 15, 2025

In this compelling episode of the Ruthless Podcast, hosts Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan, Comfortably Smug, and John Ashbrook delve into two major political controversies: the legality of President Joe Biden’s auto-pen pardons and former President Donald Trump’s strategic shift concerning the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The discussion is rich with analysis, insider perspectives, and sharp commentary, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of these pressing issues.

1. Biden’s Auto-Pen Pardons: Legal Implications and Accountability

Overview: The episode kicks off with a heated discussion on President Biden’s recent use of auto-pen signatures to issue pardons and commutations. The hosts question the legality and transparency of these actions, highlighting concerns about accountability within the administrative state.

Key Points:

• Definition and Usage of Auto-Pen: Michael Duncan [00:00]: Describes the auto-pen as a tool used by bureaucrats to sign documents automatically, raising concerns about President Biden not being personally involved in the pardon decisions.

• Notable Cases:

  • Gerry Lundergan’s Pardon: Josh Holmes [10:10]: Discusses how Gerry Lundergan, involved in corrupt campaign financing, received a pardon despite not being charged with direct wrongdoing.

  • Other High-Profile Pardons: Josh Holmes [16:45]: Highlights pardons for figures like Anthony Fauci and Valerie Biden Owens, questioning the President’s direct involvement.

• Evidence of Auto-Pen Use: Josh Holmes [17:09]: Presents graphical evidence showing identical signatures across multiple pardons, suggesting the use of an auto-pen. Quotes Michael Duncan [13:32]: "This is so explosive... essentially an admission of everything that we've been saying about Joe Biden."

• Legal and Ethical Concerns: John Ashbrook [08:06]: Raises doubts about Biden’s capacity to sign personally, implying that aides may be making decisions without the President’s full awareness.

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Holmes [14:12]: “It's completely insane to me that we're dealing with this kind of thing in this day and age.”
• Michael Duncan [22:26]: “The Democrat dream was an administrative state... afraid of accountability.”

2. State Department Layoffs: Dismantling the Administrative State

Overview: Transitioning from pardons, the hosts examine the recent layoffs at the State Department. They argue that these cuts signify the end of a bureaucratic era dominated by left-leaning officials focused on global activism over domestic priorities.

Key Points:

• Mass Firings: Josh Holmes [25:30]: Details the dismissals of hundreds of State Department employees, many of whom were involved in areas like human rights and democracy advocacy.

• Symbolic Messages: Michael Duncan [28:44]: Describes farewell notes left by departing employees, emphasizing messages like “resist fascism” and lamenting the end of their missions.

• Impact on Foreign Policy: John Ashbrook [30:06]: Criticizes the previous administration’s focus on international activism, suggesting that the new leadership will prioritize American interests over global interventionism.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Duncan [28:40]: “It has to be the most dramatic thing I've ever read in my entire life.”
• Josh Holmes [31:05]: “All the people were up to some form of activism that got funded by American taxpayers.”

3. Trump’s Strategic Shift on Ukraine: Engaging NATO Allies

Overview: The conversation shifts to former President Trump’s foreign policy maneuvers regarding Ukraine. The hosts praise his pragmatic approach, contrasting it with Biden’s inconsistent strategies that have led to prolonged conflict and economic strain.

Key Points:

• Peace-First Approach: Josh Holmes [65:00]: Explains Trump’s focus on achieving long-term peace through practical measures rather than rigid doctrines.

• Weapon Sales Through NATO: Michael Duncan [62:20]: Discusses how the U.S. is selling $10 billion worth of weapons to NATO allies, who then supply Ukraine. He views this as an effective strategy that aligns American manufacturing with foreign policy goals.

• Economic Sanctions: Josh Holmes [63:12]: Details Trump’s implementation of secondary tariffs on nations purchasing Russian oil, aiming to economically isolate Russia and compel negotiation.

• Boxing in Russia: Josh Holmes [64:00]: Argues that these measures are putting Russia in a tighter spot, reducing its ability to maneuver diplomatically.

Notable Quotes:

• Comfortably Smug [66:37]: “Donald Trump getting what he got out of NATO for their own defense of Europe. Like, just be happy.”
• Michael Duncan [62:20]: “America is selling weapons. Right. Made in America weapons are being sold and then these NATO countries distribute it to Ukraine. That's a win-win.”

4. The Debate on Family Snubbing: Insights from a NYT Opinion Piece

Overview: In a lighter yet poignant segment, the hosts discuss a New York Times opinion article that questions whether it’s time to stop snubbing elitist liberal family members. They dissect the article’s satirical take on inter-family political tensions, using it to illustrate broader cultural divides.

Key Points:

• Analysis of the Article: Comfortably Smug [34:20]: Reads excerpts that mock the idea of severing family ties over political disagreements, highlighting the absurdity of such actions.

• Hosts’ Reactions: John Ashbrook [36:29]: Criticizes the notion, asserting that true conservatives embrace dialogue rather than snubbing, finding amusement in the article’s exaggerated stance.

• Reflection on Modern Left: Comfortably Smug [41:34]: Points out the lack of critical thinking and excessive reliance on historical references to justify ostracizing others.

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Holmes [43:03]: “This is an indictment and an admission. Like, this guy is the worst person ever.”
• John Ashbrook [46:04]: “It’s a genuine window into the liberal insanity.”

5. Light-Hearted Segments: Golfer Fights and UNO in Casinos

Overview: Adding humor to the episode, the hosts share amusing anecdotes about a golfer fight and the bizarre introduction of UNO games in Las Vegas casinos. These segments provide a break from intense political discourse, showcasing the hosts' camaraderie and wit.

Key Points:

• Golfer Fight: Josh Holmes [68:25]: Recalls a fight at a golf course, highlighting both the chaos and the humor in the aftermath.

• UNO in Casinos: Josh Holmes [69:39]: Reports on casinos introducing UNO as a non-wagering event to attract families, critiquing the move as both dorky and opportunistic.

• Playful Banter: The hosts engage in humorous exchanges about gambling habits and the absurdity of combining family games with casino environments.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Duncan [70:01]: “This is the dorkiest shit ever. Pathetic.”
• John Ashbrook [73:27]: “We should get Matt on the show.”

6. Listener Comments and Community Engagement

Overview: The hosts feature listener comments that echo their advocacy for strict law enforcement against leftist extremism. These contributions reinforce the podcast's commitment to addressing real-world issues through community interaction.

Key Points:

• Enforcement of Law: Josh Holmes [51:12]: Reads comments urging for the enforcement of laws against violent leftist actions, emphasizing accountability and consequences.

• Support for Trump’s Policies: Listeners share sentiments supporting Trump’s approach to border security, crime reduction, and economic policies, aligning with the hosts’ viewpoints.

Notable Quotes:

• Mamaya311 [51:12]: “Just start doling out the consequences. The time for discussion is over.”
• Grillian242 [52:07]: “The Trump presidency has been exactly what is needed... The results speak for themselves.”

7. Conclusion and Call to Action

Overview: Wrapping up the episode, the hosts encourage listeners to engage with the podcast by subscribing, commenting, and participating in future discussions. They reiterate the importance of holding their political adversaries accountable and supporting policies that prioritize American interests.

Closing Remarks: Josh Holmes [75:32]: “When you like and subscribe to the Ruthless Variety program, and then you leave a little comment on our question of the day, we read them all, we summarize them, we ingest them, and then we provide a little handful of examples that we think best illustrate not only the point of view, but some solid takes.”

Final Quote: Josh Holmes [76:15]: “Keep the faith, hold the line, and own the libs. We'll see you Thursday. Stay Ruthless.”

This episode of the Ruthless Podcast offers a blend of in-depth political analysis, sharp critique of current administrations, and engaging community interaction, all wrapped in the hosts' signature unabashed style. Whether dissecting controversial presidential actions or sharing moments of levity, the podcast provides listeners with a comprehensive and entertaining take on contemporary conservative discourse.